What does open-pollinated mean?

Open-pollinated refers to a type of plant breeding where seeds are naturally pollinated by insects, wind, birds, or other natural means, and the resulting seeds will generally produce plants that are similar to the parent plant.Unlike hybrid seeds, open-pollinated seeds can be saved and replanted, with the resulting plants retaining the same or similar characteristics as the parent.

What are your delivery charges?

Orders will be dispatched within two working days and send out by Royal Mail. If you would like to pay for a faster delivery service please get in touch. If you live in Great Missenden or the surrounding villages (up to a 3 mile radius) I can do free local delivery - please get in touch either before or after ordering.

Who are you?

I’m Carolyn and I run Missenden Seeds, a small, independent seed company based in Great Missenden in the beautiful Chiltern Hills.

I absolutely love varieties of perennials, biennials and annuals which make beautiful cut flowers and are equally as good for pollinators. I believe that growing flowers should be simple and sustainable. All of the seeds and tubers are grown by me (often in the company of my Springer Spaniel). I do not import or repackage seeds or dahlia tubers. I also only stock open-pollinated varieties from which you can save seed year after year - you will see no F1 varieties here. My blog pages give advice on seed saving.

Do you accept returns?

I will accept returns within 14 days if unopened. I cannot cover the cost of the return. I test all seeds to ensure good germination rates. I cannot accept returns due to germination issues as so many variables can affect germination.

What is the difference between annual, biennial and perennial plants?

Annual plants grow, flower and set seed within one growing season. They don’t come back the following year; however many annuals self-seed which means that they will drop seed and new seedlings will come up the following year.

Biennial plants grow during the first growing season and then over-winter and flower and set seed in in the second season. Many biennials will also self-seed.

Perennial plants come back every year (they may die right down to the ground in winter). Perennial seeds can take longer to germinate as they often need a period of cold (i.e. a winter period) to trigger germination.

My perennial seeds are taking ages to germinate?

This is normal. See the above question on perennials. Some, such as clematis can over a year to germinate. Leave the seed tray out over winter and hopefully you should see results in spring.

My dahlia seeds are showing erratic germination.

This is normal. Some germinate quickly, others can take weeks. Dahlias can also have lower germination rates than other seeds. Dahlia seeds germinate best between 18°c-21°c.

How should I store my seeds?

Keep them in a cool, dark place. ideally in their paper packets. Do not store in plastic.

How should I store my dahlia tubers?

Store somewhere dry between 5°c-10°c. For more details visit this blog.